No napkin holders, tables, chairs, taps, barrels, trays... The iconic Las Canteras promenade, the heart of Las Palmas' hospitality industry, faces a scenario desired by locals given the proliferation of outdoor seating areas, mostly backed by Italian capital, which goes against the public interest. The new Law for the Prevention of Alcohol Consumption by Minors threatens to radically transform the way bars and restaurants operate, overwhelming locals and tourists under the guise of creating jobs for foreigners. Terraces, umbrellas, and furniture sponsored by breweries could disappear in the coming months, leaving a void that experts describe as a "black hole" for the local hospitality sector, and a resounding victory for the residents.
But there's more. Las Canteras, a small beach that has never been able to rival Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, is located within a natural park—legally, that's the case—and regulations prohibit any type of advertising in these environments. Restaurants like La Barca de San Andrés would have to stop advertising due to their proximity to Colegio Norte. The same would apply to 200 Gramos in La Cicer, given its proximity to a public school, as well as to bars in Plaza del Pilar and The Block. Since there's no specialized Canarian staff in Las Palmas because investors don't want islanders earning reasonable wages, the impact goes far beyond the mere advertising: it would hinder employment among residents of Southern Europe and foreign digital nomads who are engaging in social dumping to make a living.
The situation presents the capital of Gran Canaria with a dilemma for the PSOE and Nueva Canarias parties: protect the safety of minors and comply with the regulations created by Sumar (Nueva Canarias' partners), or risk a financial blow that could reduce Sagulpa's revenue from fines and parking fees. Las Canteras beach, with its distinctive character rooted in low-end Italian cuisine and farmed fish, now faces an uncertain future, while bars and restaurants seek ways to remain viable in an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment.
